Parents Of Soldier Slain In Denver Plead For Help

DENVER (CBS4) – A Fort Carson soldier was shot to death on the streets of Denver on Saturday. On Tuesday his parents asked the public to help them find whoever killed him.

Sgt. Anthony Silva, 25, was walking his dog in the 3800 block of Paris Street when he was shot several times. He had been staying at a nearby Motel 6 along Interstate 70 waiting for his father pick him up and drive with him to Illinois.

Silva’s family said they have no reason to believe anyone was specifically trying to target Silva. They believe it was a random crime.

Police haven’t revealed much about the shooting, but they are asking for any witnesses to come forward.

Silva was about to complete his service in the Army after 5 years. He had hurt his back and was leaving the Army for medical reasons. His family said it’s ironic that he spent so much time fighting overseas only to get shot on the street in the U.S.

“He just got out of the Army on Thursday. He was on a leave until he was going to be discharged in August. He was coming home and he had such plans to start his new life as a civilian,” said Diane Silva, Anthony’s mother. “Now it’s the end instead of a new beginning. And he was such a friendly, fun-loving guy with the greatest smile. He loved his dog, he loved his family, he loved his friends. He’s going to be missed so much.”

A makeshift memorial put up by the Silva family at the location Anthony was shot (credit: CBS/Andrea Lopez))

While the family was giving the news conference, Diane Silva received a cellphone call that was a reminder that their hometown was holding a prayer service at that moment for Anthony. She broke out in tears at the news.

Diane Silva said the streets in their town were lined with American flags to welcome Anthony home.

Anthony’s brother, Joe, is 19-years-old and had been waiting to spend time with his brother again.

“He’s a great guy. He was about to come home. He’s been gone for the last five years and (we had) a lot of catching up to do on the brotherly activities,” Joe Silva said.

The family has collected reward money from friends back home to add to the $2,000 being offered by Crime Stoppers. They say the reward for information is now up to about $5,000.

Anyone with information is asked to call Denver police at (720) 913-2000. Remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-STOP (7867). Text to CRIMES (274637) then title DMCS and enter the message or send an e-mail tometro-denvercrimestoppers.com.

All these so-called tough guys need to be rounded up and sent to the front lines, these punks think they are so big and tough, lets see what they are really made of, besides low self-esteem and no self respect.

To the Silva family, my deepest and heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Your family will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. I am not far from where this took place. I sincerely wish I had known he was there. we would have been honored to open our doors and hearts to him. From one military family to another, thank you for sharing him with us and for his service.

Denver, 7/23/2011. A coward with a gun murdered our hero – Sgt. Anthony Silva, United States Army – destroying the dreams of his parents, Diane and Dave Silva. Please spread the word; let’s put this pathetic excuse for a human being behind bars. We don’t want garbage like this roaming the streets of Colorado! A considerable reward has been offered. SPREAD THE WORD! Do the right thing! Call Crime Stoppers – 720-913-7867